Managing an Asthma Inhaler Routine
By MagdaLast updated
Overview
An asthma routine usually involves two inhalers with opposite rules. The preventer is used every day, even when you have no symptoms, and the reliever is used when symptoms start. The preventer is the one that slips, because on good days it feels unnecessary. This page explains what makes an asthma inhaler routine hard to keep, using NHS guidance, and how to set up preventer reminders and keep a record of reliever use in Pillzy. Follow the asthma action plan from your doctor or nurse for which inhaler to use and when.
What makes this routine hard
Two inhalers, two rules. The NHS describes a preventer inhaler used every day to help prevent symptoms and a blue reliever inhaler used when you get symptoms. [1]
The preventer feels optional on good days. NHS guidance on budesonide says it's important to use the inhaler regularly, even if you don't have any symptoms. [2]
Missed doses shouldn't be doubled. The NHS advises using a missed dose as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for the next one, and not taking extra doses to make up. [2]
Reviews depend on good records. The NHS says you should have check-ups at least once a year and take your asthma action plan to every appointment. [1]
Set up reminders and tracking in Pillzy
Add your preventer inhaler in Pillzy with the dose and instructions from your asthma action plan.
Set its schedule to match your plan, for example once or twice daily, with reminder times tied to your morning and evening routine.
Add your reliever as an as-needed medicine so it doesn't send scheduled reminders, and log it each time you use it.
Mark each preventer dose as taken, so a busy evening doesn't leave you unsure whether you used it.
Before your asthma review, check your history and notes to see how often you needed your reliever.
Tips for caregivers
If your child has asthma, add their preventer in Pillzy on your own phone and set reminders for times you're with them, such as breakfast and bedtime.
Log reliever use with a short note on what triggered it, so you can share the pattern at their asthma review.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need my preventer inhaler if I have no symptoms?
NHS guidance says preventer inhalers need to be used regularly, even if you don't have symptoms. Follow your asthma action plan, and talk to your doctor or nurse before stopping.
What should I do if I forget my preventer inhaler dose?
The NHS advice for budesonide is to use it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose, and not to take extra doses to make up. Check the leaflet for your own inhaler.
How do I remember to use my inhaler twice a day?
Keep the inhaler next to something you use morning and night, like your toothbrush, and set two daily reminders in Pillzy as a backup for the days your routine changes.